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Notre Dame Football Recruiting

Brandon Kaho Makes His Decision

March 26, 2017
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The recruiting process can be a stressful one with as prospects wrestle with many different directions and situations. 2018 Reno (Nev.) linebacker Brandon Kaho committed to BYU in June of 2016 and holds offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Cal, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, Utah, Vanderbilt, and Washington.

However, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder had more on his mind than his recruitment. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kaho had been trying to decide on taking his two-year mission or delay the mission to start his student-athlete experience at the next level.

“I had been arguing with myself about it since the end of my sophomore year,” Kaho told Irish Sports Daily. “I always wanted to know what it was like to be a missionary and return with honor.”

Kaho did his research. The four-star prospect spoke to many people in his circle and those that have taken advantage of the mission. The guidance and words of advice put things in perspective for Kaho, and the Reno star has decided he will take his two-year mission, which could involve proselytizing, church service, humanitarian aid, or community service.

“I know a lot of people who have served, and they all have said similar things to me about their experience,” Kaho stated. “They all said it was a decision they will never regret, and some even told me it was the best two years of their life.

“I took it all in and thought about the things they said. I always had this doubt about not going because I felt I wouldn’t be ready for it, but I always knew it was the right thing to do.”

While those around him gave their advice, Kaho still wanted to make the best decision for him. It wasn’t an easy decision as the college football world was calling his name and he had to rely on his intuition and faith to make the final call.

“I wanted to make sure I made the right decision and if it would make me happy,” explained Kaho. “My parents wanted me to go since day one, especially my father. I really wanted to make this decision based on how I felt and no one else because I’m the one that’s going to do all the action in whatever decision I made.

“I realized how much God had blessed me not only with football but in life in general and how much he has protected my family. I want to show him how much I appreciate all he has done, and this is a very special way I can repay him for that.”

The reaction to the Kaho’s decision hasn’t been received by his family as of now. The reason being is the Nevada native has yet to tell his family.

“I actually haven’t told my family,” laughed Kaho. “I want it to be a surprise. I know they will be proud and happy when they find out. Hopefully, they will find out on Twitter. My parents both have Twitter accounts, so I’m sure they’ll find out.”

Kaho has informed the programs recruiting him of his decision to take his mission and that does include his primary recruiter at Notre Dame, Brian Polian.

“All the colleges I’ve communicated with have all been supportive of my decision,” said Kaho. “Coach Polian told me they are with me all the way. I am really fortunate.

Kaho will be the first to tell you the decision wasn’t easy as he has dreams of playing at the highest levels of football, but his faith comes first.

“Decisions likes this aren’t easy,” said Kaho. “Football will end eventually and it does for everyone, even the best in the NFL. The love you have for God and the pure love he has for us is forever. That was a big factor I looked at while I decided what I wanted to do.

“I am very fortunate to have an opportunity to play college football and have a free education, but I will always take care of God before anything else. He is the reason why I am in this position today.

“God bless.”
 
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